Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is set to strengthen its health and wellness sector with a focus on Ayush-based services to further boost tourism across key destinations in the state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday directed officials to take effective steps for implementing the recently finalized Ayush health and wellness policy during a review meeting of the Ayush Department.
Moving Beyond Treatment-Based Approach
The chief minister said the state should move beyond a treatment-based approach and develop its facilities into major wellness destinations at the national and international levels by integrating Ayush, yoga, Panchakarma, naturopathy, and wellness services. He emphasized that the model should combine Ayush services with modern management practices, quality standards, and tourism so that healthcare, employment, and investment grow together.
Linking Heritage with Wellness
Yogi said Uttar Pradesh's spiritual and cultural heritage, along with its traditions of Ayurveda and yoga and established religious tourism circuits, should be linked with the Ayush wellness sector. He noted that there is strong potential for wellness- and healing-based tourism around major religious centers such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Mathura.
Current Infrastructure and Expansion Plans
Officials informed the meeting that the state currently has 3,953 Ayush health units, 1,034 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, 225 yoga wellness centers, and 19 Ayush medical colleges in operation. The chief minister directed that Ayush services be expanded in a quality-oriented and standardized manner. He called for phased action under the public-private partnership model to develop modern Ayush wellness centers, 100-bed integrated Ayush treatment and training centers, and upgraded Ayush colleges.
Private Sector Participation and Incentives
Emphasizing private sector participation, Yogi asked officials to create a single-window system and provide platforms for faster approvals for entrepreneurs interested in investing in the sector. Officials said the proposed policy includes investment-based subsidies, operational incentives, interest subsidies, stamp duty exemptions, and incentives linked to employment generation.
Focus on Underserved Districts
The chief minister identified Mirzapur, Gonda, Meerut, Agra, and Basti as districts requiring special attention due to weak Ayush services. He directed officials to improve OPD services in Ayush institutions, ensure adequate medicine supply, and promote traditional therapies such as Panchakarma.
Research and Excellence at Ayush University
Yogi also asked officials to speed up research and innovation at Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath Ayush University in Gorakhpur, complete permanent faculty appointments soon, and develop the university as a center of excellence in Ayush.
